There is an inverse relationship between the reflex size from wrist flexors and paw preference in spinal cats

Abstract

The relationship between paw preference and reflex size from wrist flexors was studied in spinal cats. Paw preference was assessed by a food-reaching test. The monsynaptic H reflex and the polysynaptic reflexes were recorded from the median or ulnar nerves following stimulation of the same nerves electrically. The mono- and polysynaptic reflexes were found to be significantly larger on the left side than the right side in right-preferent spinal cats and vice versa in left-preferent spinal cats.

Key Words:

• paw preference
• spinal motor asymmetry
• H reflex
• cat